BUFFALO City is set to benefit from a planned national heritage liberation route, adding to its historic wealth.

The route, an initiative of the National Heritage Council (NHC) and the City, is described as a potential jewel in South Africa’s heritage crown. Plans for the route were announced at a project steering committee meeting held at the East London City Hall recently.

“The project seeks the recognition of people, communities, icons and stories which had a significant impact in the South African struggle for liberation,” said the NHC’s representative, Babalo Madikane.

A five-year period has been set aside by the council to register the route as a world heritage site with the United Nations. While setting up the route was a mammoth task, it would propel South Africa on to the universal tourism stage as it would be the first place in the country to map the liberation struggle as a heritage route.

Other such routes in other parts of the country were also a possibility. However, Eastern Cape was chosen as a pilot project because of its provincial historical significance, presenting an opportunity that needed to be capitalised on.

“The project does not only have heritage, economic and social value, but it also captures the political and historical consciousness of our people,” added Madikane. “It is a networking of sites that are linked together through different narratives to express our history.”

Madikane said the role players were looking at periods of history that dated back further, to the wars of dispossession. “We are looking into the liberation struggle, the role of the church, the resolution of the South African conflict through negotiations … There is a lot of research; it just needs collating.”

Buffalo City has committed itself to the implementation of the route, with its council earmarking up to R2,5-million in funding.

With a rich history that cuts across spectrums and fuses political icons, “Buffalo City municipality recognises the importance of the route”.

Historical figures from the area include activists Bantu Biko and Steve Tshwete; writers WB Rubusana, JJ Jabavu and SEK Mqhayi; activist couple Victoria and Griffiths Mxenge; and Clemens Kadallie. Sites that document major events include the Bhisho Massacre, the Egerton Massacre, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Duncan Village forced removals.

Buffalo City’s project steering committee chairperson, Kholisile Mpupusi, said the City was putting the needs of its people at heart. “In documenting our history in such a dignified manner, future generations will gain from this experience.”